…searching for my family's history…

William Davey, Jr. (ca1828–1896)

William Davey, Jr., was born around 1828 to William and Elizabeth Davey. According to the 1851 census, he was born in Canada. At the time of that census, he was a 26 year old farmer living with his parents. William married Sarah Neal (Neil) sometime prior to 1854. According to census records, they had six children: James, William Edward, Samuel, Elizabeth Anne, Catherine and Andrew.

The 1861 census lists William as a 33 year old framer belonging to the Church of England. The family, which at this point consists of Sarah (31), James (7), William (5), Samuel (3) and Elisabeth (1), is living in a frame house in Chinguacousy township, Peel County, Ontario.

The 1871 census shows William (45) as being of German descent and lists his trade as Carpenter. Sarah (40) is listed as being of Irish descent, and both of them were born in Ontario. The family, consisting of James (17, a farmer), Edward (15, an apprentice), Samuel (13), Elizabeth (11), Catherine (7) and Andrew (4), is now living in Orangeville, Ontario. All the children are listed as being of German descent.

In the 1881 census, William (52) and the children are listed as being of Dutch descent and he is a framer. Sarah (41) is listed as Irish descent. The children at home include: Elizabeth (20), Catherine (18), Artimissy (15)*, and Andrew (14).

In 1891, William (65) is listed in the census as a barn framer. Also in the house is Sarah (60) and their son Andrew (23). Their married (widowed? visiting?) daughter Elizabeth Williams is also living with them, along with what appears to be her daughter Ada (10 months). Also living with them is a grandson, Edward McKenna (9).** The family is living in Orangeville, Ontario.

William died on September 20, 1896. His death certificate says he was a builder and that he died of pneumonia and heart failure at the age of 70 years. He was a Methodist.

By the 1901 census, Sarah (60) is living with her daughter Elizabeth Williams (25) and Elizabeth’s two children, Ada (10) and William? (4)

In 1911, Sarah (80) is living with her son Andrew and his family. Except for Sarah, the family is identified as Dutch. Sarah died on February 19, 1918 in Orangeville at 88 years of age. Her father is listed as William Neil.

*This is the only place I have seen Artimissy listed. I am not quite sure how she fits in at this point.
**Perhaps this is Catherine’s son?

One Response

Hello, I just read your post and William Davey is my gg grandfather on my father’s side of the family. With regards to your mention of Artimissy, I believe there are two families with William and Sarah Davey living in the Orangeville, On area.

My gg grandfather William Davey is listed as born in Ontario abt 1826, his father William Davey I believe immigrated to Canada with his wife Elizabeth ? (she is the one who was German). She is from the USA with German ancestry. I do not know I William went to the States first and married Elizabeth and then to Canada. I have hit a dead end there.